Hayes Lowe
Narrowing down the possibilities.
Thu Sep 7 00:35:05 2000


Here's a method that I use to narrow the possibilities. First, determine which companies of what regiments were raised in the county (sometimes more easily said than done). Then pull up the "Order of Battle" for for the battle in question. Cross reference the two lists. You'll usually narrow it down to two or three companies with this method.

At this point, concentrate your research on the regiments that you cross-referenced, searching everything that you can find by looking at just these probable units, such as the regimental records on microfilm, POW lists from the various POW prisons, published diaries of other men in the regiments, county newspaper for enlistee lists, etc. You'll be amazed at how many men served for a given regiment that are not found on commonly published lists, Broadfoot's, etc. (Usually about twice as many as on commonly published lists, which most often are derived from one muster roll, and that being pretty much a snapshot of the regiment at one certain point in time.)

This method works best for infantry units. Cavalry and artillery units' county of origin are not usually as clear-cut, nor are the records as extensive.

• regemental research — Judy Wills, Sat Sep 9 00:00